Net sales decreased 3% (increased by 6% excluding exchange rate effects and divestments) to $4 billion. Profits before tax, excluding restructuring costs, rose 4% (10% excluding exchange rate effects) to $299.6 million.

Net sales for the first quarter of 2011, excluding effects of exchange rate movements and divestments, rose 6% as a result of higher prices and volumes compared with the same quarter a year ago.

During the first quarter of 2011, operating profits for Personal Care and Tissue decreased compared with the same quarter a year ago. The decrease is mainly attributable to higher raw material costs.

In the Personal Care segment, net sales decreased by 5% (increased by 3% excluding exchange rate effects) to $963 million from January to March 2011 compared with the corresponding period a year ago. Higher volumes as a result of greater market activities increased sales 1%, while acquisitions increased sales by 2%. In emerging markets, sales rose 8% excluding exchange rate movements.

Sales of Tena-brand incontinence care products increased 3%, excluding exchange rate effects. Growth in Russia and Asia remained very
favorable.

Sales of baby diapers increased 5%, excluding exchange rate effects. The increase is mainly attributable to the acquisition in Mexico.
Sales of feminine care products increased 1%, excluding exchange rate effects, driven by favorable growth in sales in Latin America.